Lexus IS 250 Engine Problems

Owners have filed 72 complaints about engine & cooling problems with the Lexus IS 250 — 10% of all IS 250 complaints. The worst model years are 2006 (30), 2007 (18) and 2008 (15). Problems typically start around 71,000 miles. No engine recall has been issued for the IS 250.

72complaints
2006worst year
71ktypical miles
0related recalls
3crashes
2fires

Engine complaints by model year

2006200720082009201020112012201320142015301815112131
Engine complaints per model year, Lexus IS 250.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
201516%4,000 miles
201439%42,000 miles
2013120%40,000 miles
2012212%70,000 miles
201013%48,000 miles
200912%65,000 miles
20081512%70,000 miles
2007188%55,000 miles
20063016%90,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Engine
    6
  • Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    812%
  • 25k–50k
    1422%
  • 50k–75k
    1726%
  • 75k–100k
    1015%
  • 100k–150k
    1422%
  • 150k+
    23%

What owners report

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Lexus IS 250. The contact purchased the pre-owned vehicle on August 21, 2015. The contact noticed a mildew odor in the vehicle. The dealer switched out the filter six times to remedy the odor. The contact was informed that when the warranty expired, the filters would no longer be changed. The manufacturer was notified. The corporate center stated that the issue had to be taken care of by a Lexus dealer. The contact's warranty had since expired and Lexus would not repair the vehicle for free. The failure mileage was 31,000....updated 01/05/17 consumer no longer has the car updated 9/5/18

2014 IS 250 · 31,000 miles · Aug 2015

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Lexus is250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed that the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was not taken to a dealer for a diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

2014 IS 250 · 69,000 miles · May 2020

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Lexus IS 250. While driving various speeds, the vehicle hesitated when the accelerator pedal was depressed from a stop position. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with carbon build up. There was no repair solution. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several years later and the motor was rebuilt. The vehicle had several top carbon clean outs, but the issue persisted. The contact also stated that the dashboard and the inner door panels were melting. The failures made it difficult to see out the widow due to a glare coming through the windshield. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V340000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. …

2008 IS 250 · 26,000 miles · Aug 2008

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Lexus IS 250. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The dealer diagnosed that there was buildup in the piston that needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V340000 (air bags). The part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 68,184. VIN tool confirms part not available.

2008 IS 250 · 68,000 miles · Feb 2016

This vehicle went into the Lexus dealership for a recall on the fuel system. After receiving it back from the dealership, the vehicle shuts off completely without notice. The vehicle has been back to the dealership for repairs and each time it IS returns, within a week the vehicle shuts down. As of October, the dealership has received almost $8000.00 for repairs. This vehicle IS becoming a death trap. It would shut down after stopping at a stop light or stop sign, but the last two times, it has shut off while driving. Once on the interstate. We are asking that something be done immediately, this car IS unsafe to drive and the dealership continues to find other issues to make money, but has failed to repair the issue caused by the recall repair. Lexus headquarters has been notified. The maryland attorney general has been requested to intervene and assist us with this issue. …

2007 IS 250 · 78,000 miles · Oct 2015

Vsc light, check engine light, traction control light all came on at the same time. Po303 cylinder 3 misfire detected. Have saw online many people complaining of the same problem. Engine IS shaky during idle or shaky when its cold. Previous owned a 2009 Lexus is250 and had the same problem. Heard of some people saying Lexus dealers took cars in and had problem fixed as recall. Not finding any recalls for my car. My mechanic says its a good running car, but something doesn't feel right.

2007 IS 250 · 130,000 miles · Mar 2016

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus IS 250. While the contact's daughter was driving approximately 20 MPH, the check engine and vehicle stability control indicators illuminated, as well as other unknown warning indicators. The vehicle lost power and began to emit a burning odor from under the hood. The driver examined the vehicle and noticed fluid underneath the vehicle. The Lexus of milwaukee dealer diagnosed that the fuel rail on one side of the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened case number: 170731228. The contact was informed that the vehicle had received a recall repair for a corroded fuel rail in 2010. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

2006 IS 250 · 40,000 miles · Jul 2017 · fire

The car was shaking and would not excelerate over 40mph. It was brought in to Lexus of pohanka in December of 2016. They performed a top engine clean. The car started having the same issues in the beginning of 2017. I called Lexus customer service and opened a case as I was told there was a recall on a manufacturing defect of the pistons. I had paid $1500.00 for the work performed. I was told a should have received a letter in regard to this problem. Lexus was calling it a customer support program. I never received the letter but repeatedly ask le us to reimburse me and solve the piston misfire. I have all of my emails to support my case. Lexus stopped replying to them. The car at this point IS still shaking and the engine light IS flashing. We have been instructed by Lexus in the past not to drive when light IS flashing. At this time I do not know where to turn. …

2006 IS 250 · 0 miles · Dec 2016

Frequently asked questions

Which Lexus IS 250 years have engine problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (30), 2007 (18) and 2008 (15) model years. Engine complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 2006.

Is there a recall for Lexus IS 250 engine problems?

No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Lexus IS 250 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.

At what mileage do Lexus IS 250 engine problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 34% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the engine (6 mentions), followed by the exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (1).

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.